Luther series 3 begins filming

The long-awaited third series of the dark BBC One cop drama Luther has finally begun production. Filming for show's next four episodes began on Monday, according to the show's official Facebook page, which posted a photo of star Idris Elba (right) from the set.

'Luther' stars Elba as the titular DCI John Luther, a murder detective whose own demons occasionally threaten the cases on which he works. Over the course of the show so far, Luther's work has cost him nearly everything in his life, including his wife and quite possibly his mental stability. He's teamed with sociopathic killer Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson) at times in order to solve particularly difficult cases, and has formed a rather interesting working relationship with her. She appeared to have exited the series midway through the second series, though it has been hinted that she might return, at least briefly, for the third series.

The photo of Elba also revealed that Sam Miller, who directed episodes 3 and 4 of series 1 and all of series 2, will be returning for at least the first episode of Luther 3 (and presumably the rest as well).

There's no word yet on when Luther 3 will premiere, though it will likely kick off in early 2013.

Are you excited for the next year of Luther? Let us know in the comments section below!